Most dog owners simply love taking their four-legged friends everywhere with them and camping trips are no exception. Those are actually moments that strengthen the relationship between you and your pet. Also, dogs are encouraged to trust you more and if they are introduced to activities that will keep them healthy and mentally stimulated, they will both stay more active and develop social skills. On top of all that, it can be a lot of fun. However, in order for such a camping trip to be successful, you need to prepare well. To help you with that, we’ve prepared the following list of tips that should ensure that both you and your dog have a great time outdoors.

Check campground regulations and guidelines

To begin with, you should check if the campground you’re interested in is pet-friendly. Most places now are, but you should doublecheck anyway. You should check leash requirements, barking ordinances and how aggressive behaviour it treated. Many camps now feature dog-friendly amenities and events, so you might want to check that out, too.

Schedule a visit to your vet

Before you leave, you should schedule a check-up appointment for your dog to make sure your dog has received all necessary vaccinations, that it’s microchipped and that it’s using some form of flea and tick prevention. It is generally a good idea to check if your dog is healthy, especially if it’s under the weather or has a chronic illness. Consult your vet before the trip whether it is a good idea in the first place.

Bring all the gear you need

Camping trips require a lot of gear, even when you don’t have a dog in tow. There are tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, reliable automatic knives, chairs and other items you need to pack, plus the stuff your dog will need. A standard leash and harness are suitable, though some camping grounds don’t allow retractable leashes, so make sure you know what you can bring along. You could do with a few upgrades as well, such as dog leashes specifically intended for swimming. They have anti-rust clips and float on the water, making them easier to grab. Reflective harnesses can make it easier for you and others to see your dog in the dark. When it comes to toys, you should definitely bring some and not rely on the outdoors being enough stimulation for your dog, especially if the weather is bad and you can’t stay outside.

Take a picture of your dog

You probably have loads of pictures of your dog, but you should take one before your camping trip in case it gets lost and you need help finding it. Select a clear picture, preferably taken in natural lighting. It’s best to photograph any distinguishing features as well, such as spots and markings. Print out a copy of the photo and keep it on while camping.

Never leave it unattended

Just like you need to look after your dog at home, you need to do the same while camping and even be more vigilant. Never leave your dog unattended while camping and travelling. This includes the time spent in the car, at the campsite and during activities. Don’t forget that though your dog might behave well around others, other dogs and people might behave unexpectedly. Also, monitor it constantly while playing in any pet areas or at the dog park, especially since they are not familiar with that particular environment.

Extra hydration

You may not be participating in any high-energy activities, but just by being outdoors and in unfamiliar territory your dog will require more water than usual. That’s why you need to make sure you always have enough water with you. Also, it’s practical to have a collapsible water bowl to keep your dog hydrated on the go and a large outdoor safe bowl at the campsite. Make sure the water is always fresh and clean, without any dirt or leaves. Naturally, you should keep the water cool for as long as possible, so set it up in a shaded area.

Can dogs sleep in tents?

If you don’t have a cabin or RV, you’re probably using a tent for your camping trip. That may be a bit more challenging with a dog, but it’s far from impossible. Just bear in mind the tent size. It should be big enough for all the people and your four-legged friend, especially if it’s a medium or large-breed dog. Also, remember to zip and secure your tent before going to sleep, so that your dog doesn’t escape in the middle of the night. If you are still worried your dog might escape, place your luggage and gear in front of the door to block the exit.

These are just some of the most important tips that should help you have an amazing time while camping with your dog. As you can see, it’s not that difficult to organize such a trip and if you plan well, you’ll definitely realize that your effort was worth it. Happy camping!